/ 17 May 1999

COLLINS OUT OF CHIEFS FINAL

PROP Michael Collins’ ongoing problems with a sternum injury has ruled him out of the Chiefs’ final Super 12 rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria. Collins failed to pass a test in a scrummaging session under the eye of New Zealand Maori coach Matt Te Pou, who has taken over the running of the side in the absence of Ross Cooper. “Matt’s (assistant coach) taken over the running of the forwards and Ian Foster (technical adviser) is running the backs,” manager Steve Gilbert said. Cooper returned home yesterday to attend his mother’s funeral. “Michael is still troubled by his injury, he’s been told he needs three to four weeks to let it settle down,” said Gilbert.